UNASHAMED

UNASHAMED by Lecrae

I just recently finished reading Unashamed by Lecrae. It's a book that definitely has taken me on a Christian emotional rollercoaster. Beginning with his backstory, Lecrae takes the reader into a world of sexual abuse, drugs, women, some violence, and a whole lot of emptiness. From there he shares his journey of becoming a Christian and all the legalism he adopted.It's very easy to see why he craved a lot of rules, structure, and the desire to look perfect after what he had come out of, but it only led to more emptiness and a slipping back into old ways when it was impossible to tow the line. Then he has a point of understanding that it's not his strength and power and perfection that is saving him, it's his acknowledgement of his weakness and need for a Savior. He then takes off the perfect Christian mask in his music and becomes real about his personal struggles. From there we plunge into his modern day world which is to leave the music genre of "Christian Rapper" and become a "Christian Who Raps" when he realizes that his music is not reaching people in the lifestyle he left. He talks about the criticism he has received from Christians about touring with rap groups that are known for unacceptable content. I find myself wanting to question him, but then I find myself reading his responses and my objections are silenced. It truly seems that he is trying to be salt and light to meat in a dark place. It also seems that he has put in place some good accountability. I hope so, because in our day and age it gets tiring hearing about the fall of Christians in the public eye. I know, I know - don't put people on a pedestal. We say that, but if you're a public figure, you're a public figure - no pedestal needed! His thoughts do challenge me about what I'm doing in my own life, which I appreciate.

HEADS UP - My recommendation on this book is for high school and above. There is quite a bit about women, sex, parties, sexual abuse, etc. Excellent book for discussion with your teens and definitely thought-provoking!